UMD and Uber announce partnership to support innovation | News

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COLLEGE PARK, Md. (WUSA9) -- The University of Maryland and Uber announced a partnership to support student-generated innovation Monday.

The collaboration will foster and advance student-driven innovations and technology, according to news release sent out Monday.

"Partnering with Uber furthers our mission to position the University of Maryland as a leading public research institution, equipping students with top-notch entrepreneurial skills and opportunities. We are thrilled that Uber recognizes the opportunity to solve challenges in College Park and to engage our highly motivated students in the process of moving our innovation economy forward," said Ken Ulman, UMD strategist for economic development.

The partnership will include the following initiatives:

Significant investment in the Startup Shell, a student-run coworking space and incubator at the UMD

Grants to student-created companies over the next two years and various unique business competitions

Mentors to students throughout the year and an innovation council to crowdsource ideas from students, faculty, and staff

"The spirit of collaboration and entrepreneurship being fostered at the University of Maryland, especially student-led and driven, is truly something special. The University of Maryland's mantra of pursuing fearless ideas is a great complement to Uber's fearless approach to problem solving in the 21st century," Zuhairah Washington, Uber DC General Manager.